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Senior Member

I want to know which brands I should be considering with a budget of $300. I've only worn Aldos but I think it's time to purchase quality shoes that actually last and radiate elegance.

On a related note, is there is list that gives of brands one should consider based on budget thresholds or ranking of brands based on quality? I'm just trying to get the best bang for the buck without breaking a leg, so to speak.

Senior Member

I agree on Allen - Edmonds. Also look at Johnston-Murphy and perhaps you might find a pair of Salvatore Ferragamo or Bruno Magli in that price range. You can find some excellent quality shoes at
Nordstom off the Rack, Saks OFF Fifth and Nieman-Marcus Last Call(All Outlet store)...Go to there
website to see if alocation is near you. If you have patience and look with diligence for your size you
may find a great buy...I know I have over the past decade.

Distinguished Member

With a small budget don't buy anything new, it's horrible value. Find barely used vintage florsheim or hanover, even for shell you still pay $ 150 or less. For pebble grain $ 75 or less. This is assuming you want a ptb or longwing. Either way don't go buy new anything if you want value. By shoes with only cosmetic wear....much better

Senior Member

However, one of the problems I have is that I live in Toronto and it is sort of regarded as a black hole for high end leather shoes. Harry Rosen carries a limited selection of Allen Edmonds, in which I can try sizes, but that is about it unfortunately.

Distinguished Member

I agree on Allen - Edmonds. Also look at Johnston-Murphy and perhaps you might find a pair of Salvatore Ferragamo or Bruno Magli in that price range. You can find some excellent quality shoes at
Nordstom off the Rack, Saks OFF Fifth and Nieman-Marcus Last Call(All Outlet store)...Go to there
website to see if alocation is near you. If you have patience and look with diligence for your size you
may find a great buy...I know I have over the past decade.

With a small budget don't buy anything new, it's horrible value. Find barely used vintage florsheim or hanover, even for shell you still pay $ 150 or less. For pebble grain $ 75 or less. This is assuming you want a ptb or longwing. Either way don't go buy new anything if you want value. By shoes with only cosmetic wear....much better

Disagree with that as well. Besides, not everyone is comfortable putting their feet in someone else's stinky shoe.

Dirt washes off, ignorance is much harder to remove. And willful ignorance is the precursor, if not the essential ingredient, of stupidity. - DWFII​

Distinguished Member

Disagree on that. Disagree with that as well. Besides, not everyone is comfortable putting their feet in someone else's stinky shoe.
I don't think anyone is comfortable with that. when I buy used, I buy shoes that have been "barely worn". there is a huge difference between something worn 5 times and something worn 100 times. and a huge price difference between brand new and worn once. but you are effectively buying the same thing. NOS Shell Cordovan Hanover/Florsheim etc sell for $350 ish + on ebay or here if you can ever find them. barely used (say worn < 10 times) they sell for $100 - $150. ditto for AE Shell. retails at $525 new. worn literally 3 times, they most they are ever worth is $250, usually more like $100 - $200. I've bought 1 Florsheim longwing in shell, 1 AE saddle shoe in shell, and 1 AE LHS in shell for a grand total of $400. all in normal sizes, they had each been worn less than 10 times and were in mint condition. that is value imo. I paid $320 for a brand new pair of RM Williams boots and feel pretty stupid about it now. they are great shoes, but buying barely used presents amazing value, you can buy much nicer stuff at the same price point as new. the second I wore the RM's they were probably worth $150. ouch.

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